Three construction groups shortlisted to deliver $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Three leading construction business project groups have been shortlisted to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC).

Following a comprehensive tender process, involving extensive community and stakeholder consultations, the successful bidder is expected to be announced in mid-2023, with construction to start in late 2023 and the first event to be hosted in 2026.

The three shortlisted construction firms include:

• Kinetik – comprising Tetris Capital, Amber Australia, Kane Constructions, ISS Facility Services, CostaFox Developments, Warren & Mahoney and Six Degrees.

• Geelong Live – comprising Capella Capital, Aware Super, Lendlease Building, Honeywell, MAB Corporation, Populous, Hassell, Freadman White and Oculus.

• Plenary Conventions – comprising Plenary Group, Built, BGIS, Woods Bagot, WSP and 4D Workshop.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing advised “it is fantastic to see such a high calibre of consortia eager to be a part of creating this world-class centre and precinct for the City of Geelong and its surrounds.”

“With a waterfront precinct that rivals any in the country, Geelong deserves a convention centre precinct that will enable even more people to come and explore all we have to offer.”

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust was named as the operator for the new GCEC that will open in 2026. The Trust manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will manage both GCEC and MCEC to leverage expertise and opportunities to collaborate.

Today’s shortlist announcement marks an exciting milestone in one of the biggest and most anticipated developments to be undertaken anywhere in regional Victoria.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King noted “this announcement is the next step in a truly exciting project, one that will place Geelong as host to a world-class cultural facility – the Convention and Exhibition Centre – and showcase the city’s beautiful waterfront assets.”

With the GCEC build to be delivered as an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP), this project will transform the Geelong waterfront and drive significant economic, social and cultural growth for the whole city and broader Geelong region.

The PPP will bring together private business groups to design, construct, finance and maintain the new facility and the precinct, harnessing the ingenuity of some of Victoria’s most creative designers, builders and developers whilst ensuring the GCEC remains a world-class public asset for years to come.

Once complete, the state-of-the-art precinct will feature a magnificent 1,000-seat event venue, 3,700 square metres of multi-purpose space, and a 200-room upscale hotel and commercial spaces.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy added “it is great to see that progress is being made on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This facility will present unparalleled opportunities for our region and provide a significant boost to our local economy both during and after construction.”

The GCEC is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, a $500 million commitment between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong. For more information visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.